Responses we received - Scroll down for More

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Thank you notes from the Christmas 2007 drive:

From: Samples, Ryan E CPT MIL USA

Sent: Friday, February 08, 2008 8:20 AM
Subject: Thank You From Iraq!

Dear Mrs. McFarland and Friends,

I am writing to express to you and your organization my deepest thanks for your generosity at Christmas. I was absolutely dumbfounded to receive over a dozen packages from the volunteers you assembled! This is my second deployment, and I have never before seen such a tremendous outpouring of love and support for our Soldiers.

I am the Executive Officer of a team assigned to train the Iraqi Army. For the past six months, we have been deployed to northern Iraq, on a remote base with limited comforts. You cannot imagine the joy that your organization has brought to this small unit. I was able to share your generosity with 20 of my men who, just like me, were sorely missing home and the people they love. I was impressed with the variety of items your volunteers had assembled and packaged. From DVDs and snacks to hygiene products and games, you identified many of the small aspects of life in American that we miss while we are here.

I was also incredibly pleased to have the opportunity to share your thoughtfulness with some of my Iraqi friends. We work very closely with our assigned Iraqi battalion, and many of these men have become like brothers to us. It was only natural that I include them in our joy. Just as with my own Soldiers, the Iraqi Soldiers were impressed and touched by your consideration. Your act of kindness touched them, teaching them that the American people were willing to do so much to help make us comfortable, and convey to us their support and respect. I believe your support of us emboldens the Iraqi Soldiers and gives them hope for their own future. It shows that if you haven’t forgotten your own Soldiers, then by extension you haven’t forgotten their troubles either.

I would like to reinforce my appreciation of you, and your support for your Soldiers. During my year at home between deployments, I was dismayed to observe the indifference many Americans have toward the welfare of their military and their sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan. Too often I have met people who simply do not care, because they do not have a personal investment in the situation. However, it is organizations like yours that help us keep fighting the good fight each day. You remind us that we are not forgotten, that we are appreciated and prayed for each day.

I will never forget the beautiful gesture you all have made this year. I sincerely mean it when I tell you I will carry the memory of your support and encouragement for the rest of my life. Thank you so much for caring, and thank you for caring enough to let us know. You have done a great service for me, and for all the Soldiers with whom I serve. Again, thank you for your generosity, faith, support, and prayers. We shall continue to represent you with professionalism, as we fight on to victory. God bless you all!

Rangers Lead the Way!

Captain Ryan E. Samples

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From: Alfieri, Eric J MSG MIL USA FORSCOM
Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008 8:50 AM

Subject: Support our Troops

I am writing to say thank you for all you have done to support us. I am
hoping you will tell everyone that assisted in donating, that we very much
appreciate everything. Although we can never subsitute being away from
home, but doing what you have done, definitely brings home as close as you can being thousands of miles away. Our team consists of 11 men, and we have been in country for 6 months...half way!!

Thank you again, Be safe

Eric

MSG ALFIERI, ERIC J
NPTT, TEAM NCOIC
IRAQ

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From: Phil Keane
Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2008 2:45 AM
Subject: Thank You

I wanted to thank for the letter's package's that your family and St. Augustine's Church had put together for all the Marines and Sailors in my platoon. I cannot begin to tell you how much your continued support means to all of the guys over here. Being so far away from the rest of the battalion the packages have come in very handy. Whether it is a simple note, or package with items from back home, it makes a difference and puts a smile on their faces. They wanted me to thank you and they wish you their very best.
As a platoon we are doing great. We have been busy, but busy makes the deployment go by faster. Coalition forces are doing an amazing thing over here and I can't believe how much has changed since my last deployment. The Iraqi's are continuing to try take ownership of their country, and although changes won't happen over night, things are headed in the right direction. Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police employment continues to be one of the highest paying positions in the country and their numbers have increased dramatically. People back home have to realize that this is a work in progress and must understand that we still have US forces in Korea, Germany and many other countries that we once were deployed to. We are doing the right thing.
Thank you, again, for your continued support. Please send everyone at St. Augustine's Church my very best and I would appreciate it if they kept each and every one of my Marines and Sailors in their thoughts and prayers.

S/F
Lt. Phil Keane

Motorized Assault Platoon Commander, WARPIG 1
3/2 WEAPONS COMPANY

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From: Ram Palaming

Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 7:29 PM
Subject: thank you

MOM, thank you very much for the gift, i received it all and i share to other soldiers. my name 1LT Palaming, Melito working here in baghdad, Iraq, we really appreciate what you doing for us. right now we are alright very busy most of the day.
               once again thank you for your gift and be lated merry christmas and happy new year and also happy valentines to all you and the all whole family,

1LT. Palaming, Melito US Army

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From: Clemens Capt Frances J

Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 9:41 AM
Subject:thank you

Mrs. McFarland,

I cannot thank you enough for the packages that you sent out to me and my Marines this holiday season! They arrived the day before Christmas and it was perfect timing! Most of my Marines did not have anything to open on Christmas until your packages arrived. When I walked down to see them they were all smiling and full of thanks, so THANK YOU!!! I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity! Please thank all of the personnel involved in sending out the packages and let them know the TRULY DO make a difference in the Marines lives out here far away from their homes and loved ones!

I wish you and your family all the best for a happy, healthy and safe 2008!

Thanks again.

Very Respectfully,

Capt Frances J. Clemens

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From: Justin Bierbower
Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2007 7:50 AM
Subject: Thank you

Dear Mrs. McFarland,
My name is Justin Bierbower and I have been one of the recipients of your overwhelming care packages. I wanted to take the time to show you my utmost appreciation for the time and effort you put forth to send the wonderful packages to myself and my friends here in the Middle East.
This is my third deployment, and I have never received this much support from kind people like yourself and your friends. I have passed along every package to the guys and girls I work with, and to others that are in need of certain items that you have sent.
I am a New York Air National Guardsman out of Stewart AB in Newburgh. The six of us here are truly grateful for the support you have all shown us. We are obviously eager to return to back to the New York area after the holidays, however, it has been a much more pleasant experience receiving packages from you. Thank you very much once again, and please enjoy your holidays.
Take care and stay safe,
SSgt Justin Bierbower
P.S. (Here is a picture of five of us from NY that shared you’re package, I’m the second one from the right)

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From: Allyson E. Pritchard
Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2007 2:06 AM
Subject: Thank you from Iraq

Dear Mrs. McFarland and Parishioners of St Augustine’s Church,

                I was the fortunate recipient of your generosity. as expressed in the Christmas care packages sent to those far from NY. I am most grateful for all of the goodies and shared them with the medics and my patients alike. The most precious contents were the handmade notes and cards crafted by your students. Their creativity and sentiments contained within were heartfelt. Support from the homefront remains tremendous thanks to people such as yourselves. Please know that you have touched many Soldiers and your kindness has not gone unnoticed. May you all have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

Sincerely,
Allyson Pritchard PT, SCS, ATC
Major, U.S. Army

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From: Gregg Magi
Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2007 3:47 AM
Subject: Thank you message from ssgt Gregg Magi

Hi Jennie,
Thank you very much for the care package and your thoughtful letter. Everyone here appreciates your actions very much.
I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.
Thank you again,
Ssgt Gregg Magi

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From: David Hyer

Sent: Friday, December 21, 2007 3:53 AM
Subject: A thank you from Iraq

Ms. McFarland,

Thank you for remembering us at this time of the year. This will be the second Christmas I've been away from my family in Iraq.

I'm a civilian that is attached to a Nation Police Transition Team. We work with a special section of the Iraqi Security Forces that I liken to Special Response Teams in the US. They fill a niche that is between the Iraqi Police and the Iraqi Army.

This assignment has given me the chance to be on he ground in the Sadr City area of Baghdad and have contact with the citizens there. I find we have more in common with them than portrayed in the media. Those who follow the teachings of their religion are caring, tolerant people who would welcome a stranger into their house and care for their needs. I am grateful to have had this opportunity to serve both our country and the people of Iraq.

Please give my thanks to the members of St. Augustine's Church and the citizens that made these gifts possible. A special thanks to the kids who sent the cards.

Sincerely,

Dave Hyer
International Police Adviser
8-2 NPTT

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From: Amos, Jeffrey MAJ MIL USA FORSCOM
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2007 12:11 PM

Subject: Thank You

Jennie,

I wanted to take a moment to wish you a Merry Christmas and to thank you for the care packages that you and your supporters sent to myself and the other soldiers on my team. It is very much appreciated. It is very comforting to know that our families, friends and communities are thinking about us. Once again thank you and enjoy your holidays.

MAJ Jeff Amos
8th BDE NPTT
FOB Loyalty

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From: Hawes, Thomas M. MAJ 8-2 NPTT Police OPS Advisor/S3 Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 3:35 AM
Subject: Thank You

Hello from Iraq. My team just got the boxes for each of them the past few days. I am headed back to West Point, NY once I am done here to be the Provost Marshal at USMA. My family is living there now since we came home from overseas in Japan (3 years) before I headed to Iraq so we went ahead and got them settled at USMA before I left. It is tough being away from family especially this time of year so your gesture really is great right now. Thank you so much and my team loves the stuff in there. Here is a collage of our team in Iraq. I only use this email for sending out attachments so if you want to get back with me please use thomas.hawes@us.army.mil. Thank you again for your kind gesture and support to our Soldiers.

MAJ Tom Hawes
8th Iraqi National Police Brigade Transition Team
Police Operations Advisor
Sadr City, Baghdad, Iraq

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From: Howe HM2 John D (KV STP Corpsman)

Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 7:38 AM
Subject: Thank You From Iraq

Dear Jennie & People of St. Augustine Church:

I am writing to say a big THANK YOU for the packages that I
received today from you and the St. Augustine's Church! It was a huge
thrill today when so many boxes showed up with my name on them! I am
extremely grateful for this act of kindness you have demonstrated to me
and my fellow Marines & Sailors.

As you can imagine, being separated from our families during
this time of year is a difficult thing. Nevertheless, the steadfast
support of the American people has been so encouraging to all of us that
are in harm's way, waging this noble war on terror. Knowing that there
are Americans like you is what gives us the motivation to get up each
day and do whatever our mission requires of us. I am extremely grateful
for your tremendous act of kindness.

I am a Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman, which in essence is
a combat EMT. My Marines just call me "Doc." My unit is a shock trauma
platoon. We are tasked with stabilizing, resuscitating, and evacuating
casualties as they come in. We are often the first medical treatment
facility that an injured Marine, Solider or Sailor will encounter. I am
happy to report that business for us has been S-L-O-W.

God bless you for your efforts to support those of us in
uniform. It is our honor and privilege to be the tip of America's sword
that keeps you safe during this blessed Christmas season.

Yours in Christ,

John Howe
2 Cor. 8:9

HM2(FMF) Howe, J.D.
CLB-4, Det. 2, STP KV
Admin. Petty Officer

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From: Redinger, John A MAJ 7 SB SPO Plans Chief
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 8:38 AM
Subject: Thank you for your Support

Ms. Mc Farland,

My name is John Redinger and I am currently deployed and work with LTC
Robert Klimczak. I was in his office the other day when half a dozen
boxes (care packages) arrived from your organization. We started
opening them and going through the contents. I just wanted to tell you
what a good time we had, we would pull something out of the box and
show it and put it in a particular pile. I just couldn't believe all
the stuff that was in one box, I just kept reaching in and pulling out
another treat. I like to workout and I try to eat a lot of protein in
my diet so I collected up many of the Power Bars and Balance Gold Energy
Bars, thank you for sending them they are greatly appreciated.

I have watched the Soldiers in this organization enjoy all the goodies
that you have sent these past few weeks. I know that your efforts take
a lot of time and coordination and that does not go unnoticed. On
behalf of all the Soldiers in the 7th Sustainment Brigade I want to
thank you for thinking of us during this Holiday Season. We appreciate
your prayers and support. You are our Heros!!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and God Bless you all!

Sincerly,
John

MAJ John Redinger
Chief, SPO Plans & Effects
Deputy SPO
7th Sustainment Brigade
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From: Todd Wysopal

Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 8:03 AM
Subject: THANK YOU

Ms. McFarland,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too.
I would like to thank you very much for the care packages that you sent out, our unit was blessed to receive them. It is always a pleasure to receive something from the states.
I would like to thank you and all your helpers for their generosity in gathering, packaging and mailing these wonderful care packages out to us. Please pass this on so they will know that their service to us does not go unnoticed.
Thank you and God Bless you and your families.

Sincerely,
MM1(SW) Todd Wysopal
IBU-22

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From: kenneth kallen
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 10:06 AM
Subject: Thank you all

Hello. I wanted to thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness. I happen to be very active with our "Wounded Warrior" program we have here at the hospital on base. As much as I personally appreciated your care package, I want you to know that I gave it all to the wounded. They need it more than I.
Could you please thank Samantha, Kristen, and troop 167 for me. They sent cards or letters with no address.
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
SSgt. Ken Kallen

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From: thomas reich
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 6:45 AM
Subject: THANK YOU!

Dear Jennie and the Congregation of St. Augustine's Church,
I received the care package sent by you and St. Augustine's. I'd like you to know how appreciative my fellow soldiers and I are of your generosity. The gifts were needed and it brightened my day as I'm sure it does to all of the other GI's your care packages reach. You are doing great work and we thank you for thinking of us during this Holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and the faithful of St. Augustine's!
PS Attached is a group photo of our Fire Department. Again, many thanks from all of us!

SSgt Tom Reich
Fire and Emergency Services
Station 2

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From:charles burke
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 6:17 AM
Subject: Thank You

(Mrs.McFarland,I tried sending this letter to St.Augustines but it got rejected.Can you forward it?Thanks for all you are doing for us.)
Received your Christmas packages today.That was so kind.We consider ourselves fortunate that we have people back home that care.Candy and toiletries are nice but the special touch was the cards from the children.Believe me it makes us think of our own friends and family and at least for me reminds me of when I was going to Annunciation School in Brooklyn as a kid and we all would make our own Christmas cards with our trusty Crayola crayons.
This is my third trip to the desert but the first time I will miss Christmas.No white Christmas for me this year.But then again neither was the first Christmas so I am lucky I get to experience Christmas that way.I could never understand as a kid how baby Jesus could be cold in the manger afterall,this is the desert.Now I know.After temperatures in the 90s during the day,it is downright chilly at night when it gets into the 50s.Rest assured that the items sent will be shared with a lot of people when one gets a package we all get a package.Thank you all

Merry Christmas to all,
Charlie

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From: Kapp MSgt Richard (557 ERHS, Cantonments Superintendent)
Sent: Friday, December 14, 2007 12:02 AM

Subject: Thank you

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

I would like to thank you, your class and the St. Augustine Church from the 557th Expeditionary Red Horse at Al Asad. Myself and our Captain would like to thank you for what you do for all the deployed Airman, Marines, Sailors & Soldiers. It is great to see the outpouring of support that you and people like you show us that are halfway around the world serving our country. It is you that reminds us of the good in our country and what we are fighting for. It is people like you that make it a little easier to be away from our families to give us meaning for what we are here for. Thank you Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and God Bless.

MSgt Richard Kapp
557 ERHS AL ASAD AB, IRAQ
Acting First Sgt/Cantonments Super

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From: Redinger, John A MAJ 7 SB SPO Plans Chief
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 8:38 AM
Subject: Thank you for your Support

Ms. Mc Farland,

My name is John Redinger and I am currently deployed and work with LTC Robert Klimczak. I was in his office the other day when half a dozen boxes (care packages) arrived from your organization. We started opening them and going through the contents. I just wanted to tell you what a good time we had, we would pull something out of the box and show it and put it in a particular pile. I just couldn't believe all the stuff that was in one box, I just kept reaching in and pulling out another treat. I like to workout and I try to eat a lot of protein in my diet so I collected up many of the Power Bars and Balance Gold Energy Bars, thank you for sending them they are greatly appreciated.

The best part was at the bottom of the box and that was the letters and cards from the children. Their words of encouragement and support were so real and heartwarming to read, it just makes you feel so good about what we are doing over here and that there is so much love and support back at home toward us. We read every single letter and card, not one was missed!! I noticed that many of the letters were from 10-11 year old girls, this was especially special to me because I have an 11 year old daughter and 6 year old son back in Virginia who I miss very much! I have watched the Soldiers in this organization enjoy all the goodies that you have sent these past few weeks. I know that your efforts take
a lot of time and coordination and that does not go unnoticed. On behalf of all the Soldiers in the 7th Sustainment Brigade I want to thank you for thinking of us during this Holiday Season. We appreciate your prayers and support. You are our Heros!!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and God Bless you all!

Sincerly,
John

MAJ John Redinger
Chief, SPO Plans & Effects
Deputy SPO
7th Sustainment Brigade
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From: Klimczak, Robert L LTC 7 SB 7th SB DCO
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 8:44 AM
Subject: Packages received

Jennie and Saint Augustine's
   Thank you for all the packages! I have received 13 to date and have been distributing the goodies to the Soldiers. We really appreciate you thinking of us and your generosity. We especially love all of the notes and cards in the packages. Those kids that are stuffing the boxes are great Americans and I and the Soldiers here are proud to be serving them.
   A little about our unit. We are an active duty Sustainment Brigade Headquarters from Fort Eustis, VA. We are one of the "lucky" units that gets to be here for a 15 month rotation. We have two active duty subordinate support battalions under us: one from Fort Lee, VA and one from Fort Polk, LA. Under those battalions we have National Guard companies from Texas, California, Michigan, Alabama, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and Nebraska. Soon most of the Guard units will be replace by ones from Arkansas. Our mission is to push supplies. We move food, bottled water, bulk fuel, building material, ammunition, repair parts, and replacement equipment. We also produce bulk water, perform vehicle maintenance, distribute mail, and run finance operation in the lower
south east third of Iraq. Part of the mission for our unit is to run "gun truck" security for the trucks carrying supplies.
We are located in Tallil, Iraq on a former Iraqi Air Force base. Of significance is that the Ziggurat of Ur is visible from our base. Adjacent to the Ziggurat is Abraham's house. We will be having a Catholic mass at the site of Abrahams house. I will try to send you a few pictures.
   I thought you might find the following article interesting.

http://www.blackanthem.com/News/U_S_Military_19/7th-SB-begins-logistics-mission11397.shtml

Thank you,

Bob Klimczak

P.S. Although I am originally from Gary, Indiana, my love wife Sue Anne
(Farren) attended St Augustine's as a child.

Robert L. Klimczak
LTC, OD
Deputy Commander, 7th Sustainment Bde
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From: johnson thomas

Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2007 1:31 PM
Subject: Thank You

Jennie,
My high school classmate, Katy Herron, passed my unit address on to you for the care packages. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of your CCD class. It is very nice to know that people back in the US think about us and pray for us. Among some of my first childhood memories is one of my father returning from Vietnam. He was not welcomed home in the way that I have been. This is my third combat tour and I am always amazed at the support the American public gives us. Thank you.

This week has been busy. My Battalion fought a hard battle in the city of Musa Qaleh, Afghanistan. It has been in the news, I am told, for the past few days. Please pray for our wounded and dead men.

Additionaly one of your boxes came from Girl Scout troop 1667. I believe the young lady who made the card and wrote a letter is named "Forrest?" could you please clarfiy her e-mail address. I think it may be her mother's and begins with "Jillsimpson@" I am unable to read the rest of the e-mail address. I would like to thank the troop for their efforts too.

The young lady who wrote me, tells me she would like to be a helicopter pilot. I have a friend who is a female helicopter pilot and has just been selected to command an assault aviation battalion. I will provide her e-mail as well so that the young lady may speak to a grown lady who does what she wants to do in the future.

Again, Many Thanks! All of us here very much appreciate your gesture of support.

Major "Ty" Johnson